Description

The three Ips beetles are very similar in appearance except for size and the number of spines on the posterior margin of the elytra (wing cover). All are reddish brown to black and range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. When viewed from above, the head is not visible. The posterior region of the wing covers and abdomen have a "scooped out" depression that is characteristic of the Ips beetles.

Southern Pine Beetles are brown to black and about 3/16 inch in length. The head is visible from above and has a median groove that gives appearance of two "horns" projecting from the head.

The Black Turpentine Beetle is the largest of the major pine bark beetles, about 1/4 inch long. It is reddish brown to black. The head is visible when viewed from above.

Hosts

Most species of pines found in South Carolina are subject to attack by the pine bark beetles. Trees under stress are much more susceptible. Some preference is shown for loblolly, shortleaf, and Virginia pines.

Injury

The most severe and ultimately fatal injury is caused by larval feeding on the cambium layer under the bark. Ultimately, the tree is girdled and the flow of nutrients and moisture is cut off. The adults bore into the bark and cut egg galleries, but in itself this injury is secondary. Fungal diseases are introduced also.

The primary symptoms include pitch tubes, popcorn or larger sized layers of resin on the outer surface of the bark, reddish sawdust like material on the bark, and a general decline of the tree. Decline is indicated by fading of the needle color from a rich green to yellow, red, and brown.

Each bark beetle has certain preferences as to the area of the tree they initially attack. These preferences are indicated in Figure 1.

All of the bark beetles have similar life histories. Usually, the adult beetles are attracted to trees under stress. They bore into the bark and hollow out galleries. The females lay eggs in niches along the galleries. After about a week the larvae hatch and start feeding on the cambium layer. When mature, they pupate in cells constructed in the bark. When the adults emerge, a small exit hole is cut in the bark and the beetles fly to another tree. Several generations are produced each year. Infested green trees are attractive to adult beetles.

The best control is to keep trees in vigorous healthy condition. This will usually prevent the initial attack by adult beetles. Healthy trees have a heavy flow of pitch and can "drown" the beetles as they bore through the bark. It is not possible to prevent natural weakening factors such as old age, prolonged floods, fire, drought, and lightning strikes from occurring. However, in the homeowner situation, water and fertilization go a long way towards keeping the tree healthy. Avoid injuring trees with riding lawnmowers.

If a tree is severely injured or struck by lightning, early removal of the tree will prevent beetle infestations. Avoid soil compaction and injury to trees during house construction. Also, do not leave only large, mature pines on the lot.

During hot, dry weather, inspect the trees for the initial signs of attack. If a tree is beginning to show color changes in the needles, remove it as soon as possible. One infested tree can be the source of thousands of adult beetles that will spread to other pines in the yard and neighborhood. Spraying a tree 20 to 60 feet tall is not an option.

The key factors to remember for control of pine bark beetles are:

Avoid damage to pines during yard work or construction;

Keep pines healthy by watering and fertilizing them;

Watch for pitch tubes and boring dust;

Remove infested trees immediately.

Consult your local County Extension Agent for assistance in beetle identifications and control.

This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Brand names of pesticides are given as a convenience and are neither an endorsement nor guarantee of the product nor a suggestion that similar products are not effective. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.

The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Clemson University Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture and South Carolina Counties. Issued in Furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.